Vote Result

Yea Votes

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Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires abstinence-centered sex education in schools, effective July 1, 2012.

Highlights:

Prohibits a Local Educational Agency (LEA) from using an organization or an individual to teach a “family life” curriculum if that organization or individual endorses any non-abstinence or “gateway sexual activity”(Sec. 2).

Defines “abstinence” as not participating in any activity that places an individual at risk for pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease (Sec. 2).

Requires LEAs to notify parents and legal guardians 30 days prior to beginning the instruction of a family life curriculum (Sec. 2).

Authorizes parents to review the material their child will be instructed in a family life curriculum (Sec. 2).

Authorizes parents to excuse their children from parts of the family life education curriculum by submitting a written request to the student's teacher, counselor or principal, or excuse the student from the entirety of the curriculum by making a written request to the principal (Sec. 2).

Prohibits the following distribution of materials on school property (Sec. 2):

Displays or demonstration of devices designed for sexual stimulation; and

Distribution of contraception.

Authorizes the distribution of medically accurate information about contraception and its ability to reduce the chance of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, only if such information “clearly informs” students that “only abstinence removes all risk” (Sec. 2).

Requires family life education to cover topics including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 2):

Student communication with parents and guardians about sex;

Raising children within the context of marriage;

Raising children as a single teen parent;

Refusal skills to resist sexual activity; and

Identification of healthy relationships.

Specifies that if a student receives instruction that does not comply with this act from an organization or individual not employed by the LEA, the parent or legal guardian of that child has cause of action against the instructor for actual damages and attorney and court fees (Sec. 2).

Specifies that if the parent or guardian is the prevailing party to the action, the individual or organization may be fined up to $500 (Sec. 2).